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U.S. OBLATE EXPERIENCES

PARISH MISSION TEAM IN CANADA

Father Ron Meyer, OMI, during his sabbatical year, is spending some time with his Canadian confreres in order to learn more about their approach to reviving the foundational Oblate ministry, PARISH MISSIONS.  He works with a team known as the MISSIONARY OBLATES - PARISH MISSIONS.

The team consists of three full time members: Brother Louis Andreas, OMI, Fr. Alfred Hubenig, OMI and Mrs. Debbie Doornbos.  Scholastic Brother Mietek Burdzy, OMI,  is on team for his pastoral year prior to ordination.

Fr. Ron is there to learn by experience the process of Oblate Parish Missions in its present Canadian form. Fr. Jim Dukowski, OMI, also from the U.S. Province, was part of the team for a few months last fall.  In May, Fr. Ron will join Fr. Jim in Lowell, MA, to start U.S. Oblate Parish Mission team.

This style of team preaching was created some 7 years ago by Fr. Jacques Johnson, OMI, - inspired by the Italian Oblate Parish Team preaching experience (based on St. Eugene's Oblate Missions).

Team members have adapted and crafted the present format through numerous city, suburban and rural parish missions. Basically, the process includes an information meeting; three to five on-site parish training sessions (for local coordination, the preparation of lay home visitors and small group coordinators); a Main Mission (lasting from 7 to 14days - which includes daily Mass, Reconciliation, home visiting by team members, parish-wide small faith community experience of "Listening Centers" and several evening gatherings called the "Great Assembly.")

Up to three 3-day "Follow-up" Missions can be scheduled annually following the Main Mission. They also include daily Mass,  Reconciliation, evening Great Assembly and faith-sharing in the already formed "Listening Centers". Parishioner training and involvement is key. Parishioners are called to mission to one another. Each (up to 2-hour) "Great Assembly" includes a powerful sermon, songs and prayer,  a drama and a unique ritual designed to get the folks out of the pews and into an experience of community prayer. Team prayer, sharing and review make local adaptation possible as needs arise and the overall experience unfolds.

Whenever possible, a youth team  accompanies the Oblate team.  This year the 7-member group is called “Youth on Fire.” They visit schools, associate and work with young folks throughout the day and present dramas, themed to the evening "Great Assembly."

This is indeed, a Parish Mission model, based on St. Eugene de Mazenod's methods, using his insights and enjoying his charism. It takes hard
work. It works. It's Oblate all the way!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Canadian Oblate Team

Home Base: 20 Gareth Place

St. Albert, AB T8N 3K5

Canada

Email - Contact Debbie at parishmissions@omi.ca

Phone: (780)459-9808 Fax: (780)459-9831.

GO TO FR. RON'S REPORT OF HIS EXPERIENCE